Charlotte from Ballinagh, Co Cavan attended Carrigallen Vocational School. Charlotte studied Pre-University Cultural and Heritage Studies in Cavan Institute and progressed to study European Studies with Law and Spanish in National University of Ireland - Maynooth.

"When I was doing the leaving cert I was so clueless about what I wanted to do in college. I got accepted into Art School but I really didn't know if it was what I really wanted to do, so I decided to take a course in Pre-University Cultural and Heritage Studies in Cavan Institute. I wanted to try something different and see what was for me before committing to a four year course. I loved the course as it covered such a broad range of interesting topics, I felt that there was never a dull moment as everything being taught was so relevant, local and fascinating.

Throughout the year I completely changed my opinion of what I wanted to do in the future. The course was great because it was really open-ended - as a result, you have so many options for follow-up education/progression in so many areas. I was accepted into National University of Ireland - Maynooth based on my results from Cavan Institute. I am now studying European Studies with Law and Spanish. I fell in love with Spanish while attending Cavan Institute and decided I wanted to pursue it in university. The language option offered by Cavan Institute really opened doors for me as it was something I never really felt capable of studying prior to attending this course. It was taught so clearly and proficiently that it really appealed to me as a vocation, and because of it I will now be spending next year in Spain studying on the Erasmus Scheme. I also have the option to undertake an English Language Assistantship in Spain.

A huge highlight of the year for me was being selected to represent Cavan Institute at the 1916 National Flag Post Primary Presentation Ceremony in Croke Park where I was presented an Irish Flag by our President Michael D Higgins. Cavan Institute also helped me to secure a two-week work placement with my local politician Joe O'Reilly. During my work placement I got to experience working in his office in Leinster House just before the 2016 General Elections.

My success in Cavan Institute was down to my exceptionally helpful lecturers who always made sure I completely understood all of my assignments and prepared me for the dreaded exams. As well as that, Cavan Institute itself was always such a lovely and friendly environment to study in. I made so many friends since day one and I always felt like there was someone there if I needed help with anything.

I would completely recommend Cavan Institute to everybody! It really set me up for university and I met some of my best friends during the year."